Moving from Linux to Windows

Channels DVR Server
#1

Hi All,

I just got a new windows PC and I would like to set itup to be my server as opposed to my old laptop running ubuntu. Is there an easy way to transfer the DVR and files from Linux to the windows PC?

THanks

#2

You can move your DVR folder (which contains TV, Movies, Database, Images, etc) to the Windows machine. Uninstall the DVR software from the Linux machine, install it on the Windows machine, then open http://127.0.0.1:8089/restore and navigate to the DVR folder to restore all the old data.

#3

Thanks for the quick reply. Is there any advantage of keeping Channels DVR on my old laptop and not my PC? Does windows forcing updates cause issues, or changing users?

#4

I’ve found that windows forcing updates would take down my Plex server (I don’t have Channels DVR right now). There was a selection for Windows to automatically login…I selected that and it still didn’t work. I switched over to Ubuntu and haven’t looked back.

Depending how much you want to get into it, the laptop will draw less power than a windows PC. So for something running 24x7 it is cheaper monthly. If your PC is on 24x7 it is a moot point.

#5

It’s been a while since I last ran the DVR on Windows, but when you set it up on windows, set it to run as a service, so that way it stays running without a logged on user, and you can switch accounts on the interactive session. Make sure that users log out when done.

Also, make sure that windows installs the updates on the right schedule, nobody is on the computer in my house at 6 am, but the default 2am-3am someone could be watching a recording.

#6

Unless you already intend to run that MS-Windows PC 24x7 it’s a poor choice, IMO, for the reasons of resource requirements and stability.

My view of something like a DVR is it should run as seamlessly, as simply as possible. MS-Windows and seamless/simple don’t go together, in my experience.

Unless you have a good reason to do otherwise (i.e.: It’s failing), I recommend you just keep using the Ubuntu laptop. When it dies, replace it with a minimal NAS. Life will be much simpler. Much less angst :slight_smile:

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#7

Thanks all! Based on all of the comments I believe I will just keep that old laptop running Ubuntu going. As far as I know it isn’t close to dying and I haven’t had any issues with it being my media server/DVR.

Justin

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